Kauai Beach – Donkey

Donkey Beach (Paliku) on the East Side of Kauai is a good beach for sunbathing, offering plenty of sand and some shade trees. Swimming here can sometimes be dangerous due to strong currents and hard breaking waves. Surfing and bodyboarding are good when conditions are right. The paved bike path also provides easy access and great views from above the beach. This semi-secluded beach is about a 10 minute walk from the parking area.

Back in the 1960s mules and burros were used to haul cane to fields close to the beach and it was dubbed Donkey Beach. At the time, one had to hike across a sugarcane field to get to the beach making it more secluded. But, the parking lot with facilities, and the bike path make it more accessible giving everyone plenty of room to roam and enjoy nature.

• Best for sunbathing
• Good Surfing
• Good Bodyboarding
• Not so good for swimming
• Not so good for snorkeling
• Facilities at parking area
• No lifeguards

Directions:
Traveling North from Kapa’a on Highway 56, pass Kealia Beach and go approximately 1.25 miles (about .5 mile after Mile Marker 11) and pull into the parking area. Follow the paved walkway for a ten minute stroll which meets up with the bike path.

Please remember: When in doubt, don’t go out.
Check our Kauai Surf Report.